Avoid Blink Subscription Fees - How to store Blink security camera videos locally

Blink cameras (Outdoor and Mini) require a video cloud subscription plan. The good news is there is a simple way to avoid paying this fee. In this video, I show how to setup the Blink Sync Module 2 with local storage (USB flash drive) to avoid paying these monthly costs.

[AverageMe]

UPDATE: Since the making of this video, Bling has revised local viewing options. With Local Storage, motion clips are saved to USB and can be viewed in the Blink app Clip List if it is not connected to a subscription service. Local Storage is not active when a system is attached to a Blink Subscription Plan or Free Trial. Instead, a once-daily Clip Backup is saved to the USB drive. Clip Backups are not viewable in the Blink app, they must be accessed directly from the USB drive using your computer.

[USMCNav]

Thanks for the video!

I just purchased and installed five cameras around my house. The picture is clear, voice activation is good, night vision is fair, and it has about a 3 second delay. I was trying to decide if I wanted to pay for the subscription or use an USB? My thought is if my house is burglarized, the suspect(s) will locate our internet module, locate the Blink module/USB, and take it.  

1. If I rely on USB, my evidence (video surveillance footage) can possibly end up in the hands of the suspect(s).
2. If I subscribe, my evidence would be available on the cloud.

I'm still kicking this one around.

[sxznwln]

i would purchase the blink plus plan for sure

[clems]

Excellent info thank you !
For $10 a month, heck just go with the subscription.

[inpergatory]

I went with the 100$ plan. I was not able to video with out this plan. I wanted to see what’s up and record. Not happy about it. But it works for me.

[mobayguy]

Hey Mark - Thanks for the great video. Just installed my BLINK device with the Sync Module and glad I did it! All the best.

[traceyallers]

Thank you for all the great info! I think I might go with the subscription plan as then I don't need to worry about manual storage when traveling. Plus I like the additional warranty benefit.

[esanford]

Yours is the clearest explanation I've seen or heard....

[Garymayo]

On old blink systems storage is free and you can review video on the app

[MadDotStar]

Thanks for the great info. I should have looked around before buying the 2 outdoor Link cameras. There is NO reason for Amazon to hijack the stream and force you to pay for cloud if you can store that on some local or remote computer yourself for FREE. Even if you don't have a subscription but have a USB you should be able to read that Online on your sync module directly without having to disconnect. Forcing you to disconnect the USB from Sync module is also a ripoff. Thanks again for info. Nicely done 👍

[mohawk]

Well played sir. Just a all around great production video with concise info. Thank you.

[michaelwilkes]

Cheers Mark, my subs has just ended so I've gone the usb route which you explained perfectly, I don't believe in adding more dosh to Bezos's coffers 😉

[MichaelLPark]

Thanks for this, very good information here that I was unable to find on the app, website, or other YT videos.

[lindak]

We don’t have a computer anymore. We both have iPads. I have 4 outside cameras, plus 1 indoor we set up just when gone( I’m not wanting to film inside) and the doorbell so I get the subscription.

[cathyc]

I'm deciding what to do also and while it's less work we have to do and for $100 a year is what they're offering it now for I may hold off play a year and then see if I want to renew and if not just get the USB flash drive

[Swerve]

Below is the system I have. Will the local storage work.
Blink XT2 (2nd Gen) | Outdoor/Indoor Smart Security Camera with Cloud Storage, 2-Way Audio, 2-Year Battery Life | 2-Camera System

[joeskis]

I want a method that doesn't give Amazon more money.

[bradbotkin]

Considering the update... electing to have local storage is a No-brainer.

[luismiguellandrau]

thank you for the information, it was very good, and very clear

[cwtcwt]

Great Vid, however, I'm thinking seriously about returning the outdoor floodlight. I was expecting to view the floodlight camera on my phone like I view the other 5 outdoor blink cameras. Even the setup is kinda screwed up. I want to post the floodlight about 10' high up under an overhang on the back porch. Without viewing capabilities on my phone, I have to climb the ladder ballpark the camera placement, remove the USB take it to my office computer view it for correct placement. If camera is off then its back up the ladder for another adjustment ect...wish this was clear before I bought it. In fact, I'm sending this back today.